Glen Garioch, an 8 year utility

I've been meaning to try the Glen Garioch as a possibly Highland utility whisky due to its inexpensive price tag coming in right at the same price as Speyburn 10. Finally got around to picking up a bottle. I have to admit, I'm rather impressed. It's the perfect single malt intro scotch. If you were a scotch rookie, and someone handed you a pour of the Glen Garioch 8yr, it would probably taste exactly what you would assume scotch would taste like. It has an impressive body (for the price) and a perfect little kick to go along with it. It has gentle fruity undertones, and a simple dry finish.
My Speyburn utility has a new friend on the 'free-for-all' table.

No news still good news

Not much to report -- still pouring scotch. Although I did add a rye to the stable just for fun. Reminds me of Jack Daniels. Rhett and I had a surprise visitor... John, who introduced us to Laphroiag (and Aberlour for that matter), visited from Chicago. Sunny weather, Irish pub, John, Rhett and me -- doesn't get much better unless/until I get my boat in the water... Laphroiag will make the maiden voyage roster.

Cheers

Scotch Blog Patiently Waiting Updates...

Scotch consumption has recently been on the decline due to a rigorous workout for a triathlon that will be taking place June 20th of this year. Since my last post, I've added a Balvinie 10 to my collection, but have yet to take a blogworthy dive into it ... I'll try to get something up sooner than later, but until that race happens postings will be sparse. Stay tuned ...

4 fingered.

Paid a visit to Chino Latino the other evening ... indulged myself with a Glenlivet 12. The bartender wasn't exactly scotch savvy and served up a hulking pour and garnished it with a plastic straw. I was pleasantly amused ... so much so in fact, that I'll go out of my way to order another scotch from said bartender next time I'm there.
Photo: Heather offered up her hand for comparison. The actual pour is hard to see - but look closely and you'll notice it.

Whoa Nelly!

Picked these up a couple weeks ago... the Bowmore 12 is nice to have around. But let me tell you the Laphroaig 15 blew me away! Rich, peaty, buttery... everything you would expect from the 10yr but better. My new favorite especially since it is only about $4 more than the 10. It is a must try in my book especially if you have the 10yr handy for comparison. Kind of reminds me of back in the day when I was used to drinking gas station coffee and had my first Starbucks -- velvety. Until I have a chance to line up Ardbeg and Lagavulin for a side-by-side it gets E10.

Cheers

All quiet on the Scotch front

Just checking in - I've been enjoying my utility Scotches while watching some NHL playoffs these past few days. Nothing new or noteworthy to report - although Erik needs to toot some horns on that buttery bottle of Laphroaig 15 that he has. Some of the best Scotch I've had yet! I plan on picking up a couple new selections later this week. Stay tuned...

Speyburn 10, A New Utility

I think I've found my new favorite utility scotch: Speyburn, 10yr. It's almost too good to be true coming in at under $16/bottle (when on sale). This Speyside malt is gentle on the nose, and smells of fresh fruit. The taste has a perfectly simple peaty kick that quickly changes over to a gentle apple taste and is surprisingly refreshing and dry. The taste doesn't linger ... making you want that next sip, asap.
I'm almost embarrassed to say that I've been feeding the friends a blended Passport utility whiskey when this is just as simple in price, and leaps and bounds better in taste. I feel shame, and will adjust my ranking accordingly.
Also picked up another utility bottle over the weekend: Bowmore Legend. It's a simple Islay whisky that has a healthy peaty kick, heavy peppery taste, and is pretty satisfying, yet basic considering. Holds nothing to its older brothers 12yr and up, but certainly can't complain.

Longrow, A cure for what ails ya.

Finally sat down and dove into a healthy pour of my Longrow 14 with Erik. I head into it biased, as the Longrow 10 is one of my favorites. This is one for the 'Peat Freaks.' The smell is somewhat light, peaty, and smoky. However the taste hits you like a ton of bricks - an immediate peaty kick that fills the mouth, with hints of smoky cedar and apple lingering. A little swirl around the tongue and it gives you a proper kick in the mind, makes the eyes water. Has a spicy essence like an old piece of cinnamon gum. Definitely one to savor.
The price is steep, and the color lacks any sort of authentic body ... but it gets high grades in my book. Props to this Campbeltown Whisky.

Try This -- for real!

Rhett and I finished sampling the new Cragganmore and sat down for a warm and fuzzy Laphroig QC. Then we mixed in a few Bud Lights. Believe it or not following your Laphroig with a Bud is surprisingly tasty. I suspect there is some interaction between the salt in the Laphroig and some ingredient in the Bud but it really highlights/changes the taste of the beer. Me likey.

Cheers

Cragganmore 12yr - nice

I decided to add a Speyside to the collection yesterday and opted for the Cragganmore 12yr. Of course Rhett and I had to sample it... for posterity and for kicks we took a stab at describing it before reading the "official" description on our favorite info site royalmilewhiskies.com. I'd say we did a pretty good job.

Our description: Aroma - instant fruity note, apples and peaches, and not much peat. Palate - lots going on but a fragrant flowery note is prominent as is a slight sweetness. It finished with something Rhett called 'grass' and what seemed to me to be the taste you might expect from chewing on flower petals.

Royalmilewhiskies.com description: Nose - Complex, rich mix of flowers, fruit (dried and caramelised), plum, baked apple, currant, honey, roast chestnut, meat and toffee. Phew. Palate - A soft start, then dark fruits mixed with light honey and cooked peach. A rich, elegant, silky texture that fills the mouth. Highly complex. Finish: Soft with a gentle hint of smoke. Comment: Balances richness and fragrance superbly.

Pretty close indeed. I especially like RMW's "silky texture" comment -- dead on. Thinking a good drink to end a night with. Considering Speyside isn't my first choice regarding regions at $39.99 I'm glad to have it on hand.

Not my fav as I prefer peat, but E8 as a Speyside example. If you remember to pay attention to it's subtlety it is easier to appreciate the taste.

Cheers